Sydney claim Littbarski 'has agreed to stay'

PIERRE Littbarski looks like he can be struck from the list of contenders for the Hearts head coach position, after the former West Germany internationalist apparently agreed to extend his stay with Sydney FC for a further season.

Littbarski said this week that he would be "honoured" to take over at Hearts, after failing to agree a new contract with Sydney. However, his public statement of willingness to consider a move appears to have sparked the club into action.

"We are delighted that Pierre has agreed to stay with Sydney FC," said club chairman Walter Bugno. "Sydney FC had an extremely successful campaign under Pierre in the inaugural season and we are happy he will be at the helm again."

It is understood that negotiations over a new contract at Sydney broke down when the club attempted to reduce Littbarski's salary by up to 30 per cent.

The maiden A-League champions are certain they now have their man but a new contract has not been signed and won't be finalised until the coach returns to Sydney from a two-week family holiday in Japan.

Meanwhile, Hearts season ticket holders can buy Tennent's Scottish Cup final tickets from 10am on Monday next week, with a maximum of three per person.

Season-ticket holders will have the opportunity to buy tickets for three sides of the stadium - West, North and South - with a further special family area available in the East Stand. Adult prices are set at £25, £30 or £35 with an adult and child costing £30. Tickets are only available to season book holders through the internet or by postal application. There are no plans at this stage for direct sales from the ticket office or for sales to non-season-ticket holders.

Hearts have been initially allocated 30,800 tickets for the match against Gretna on 13 May, although the club have the opportunity to increase that number to more than 32,000.

Taken from the Scotsman